Report on accident at Boomers revised

August 7, 2007|By Lisa J. Huriash Staff Writer

A follow-up report on an accident at a Dania Beach amusement center still faults a Tamarac teenager for not remaining in her seat during the ride, but states she wasn't responsible for her actions because she became dizzy and ill.

The Fair Rides Inspection Office of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services revised its original report on the accident after receiving information from a witness. The amended report, released Monday, said Natashia West, 14, became sick on the Magic Tea Cup ride at Boomers on June 28.

"The most likely cause of this accident was the patron became ill and disoriented from spinning the ride which in turn compromised her ability to control her movements," the report states. The report said the "combination of spinning and illness resulted in uncoordinated movements" that left her ability to control her movements "compromised."

The state's first report on the accident, released last month, said West "probably did not follow instructions to remain seated" and "engaged in some sort of behavior that jeopardized her safety on the ride."

The teenager suffered head injuries and was hospitalized at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital in Hollywood.

The state report said the ride has had no other accidents or mechanical deficiencies.